I personally find the concept of “gravel” bikes overall to be a good thing. WAY too many people were out riding bikes built for full on road racing with 50mm worth of spacers to make them comfortable when an “endurance” bike would be far better. But with gravel bikes, you now have hydraulic disc brakes, predictable handling, and comfort, and it is cool to be seen on.
I might not like it, but, I like the direction it is taking cycling.